Why Did Goku Choose Super Saiyan 3 (SSJ3) Over Super Saiyan Blue (SSJB) in Dragon Ball GT?

In the Dragon Ball series, particularly in the Dragon Ball GT timeline, Goku's decision to use Super Saiyan 3 (SSJ3) over Super Saiyan Blue (SSJB) has been a point of discussion among fans. This choice has implications for the overall story and Goku's character development. This article explores why Goku might have chosen SSJ3 over SSJB in Dragon Ball GT, and the broader implications of this decision in the series.

The Stretch of Power in Dragon Ball: Base Form vs. Super Saiyan Blue

The Dragon Ball Super timeline presents a significant shift in character power levels. In this continuity, Goku's base form during Dragon Ball Super is incredibly powerful, surpassing what had been the most powerful transformation, Super Saiyan 4 (SSJ4). This reimagining aligns with the show's focus on drastically increasing the power levels of the various Saiyan warriors.

In contrast, the base power levels in the Dragon Ball GT timeline were less significantly escalated from their initial forms. Therefore, episodes like those in GT, such as the 282nd episode where Goku first achieved his Super Saiyan 3 transformation, contextualize the power levels and their relative strengths within that specific storyline.

Super Saiyan 3 (SSJ3): A More Practical Choice in GT

Super Saiyan 3 is a transformation that combines the speed and agility of Super Saiyan (SSJ) with the raw strength of Super Saiyan 2 (SSJ2), resulting in a unique balance of speed, power, and control. In the Dragon Ball GT timeline, the balance between the different transformations is essential due to the nature of the antagonists and the power levels present.

Compared to Super Saiyan Blue (SSJB), which became Goku's dominant transformation in Dragon Ball Super, SSJ3 provides a more versatile and balanced option for battle. SSJ3 offers Goku the necessary power while maintaining the agility and control needed to handle different types of challenges in the GT storyline.

The Implications of Power Scaling in Dragon Ball

The significant power scaling in Dragon Ball GT leads to a different narrative dynamic. In this timeline, Goku's base power level is higher than during Super, making SSJ3 a more practical choice. This choice aligns with the story's need to showcase Goku's versatility and adaptability, rather than focusing solely on raw power.

A notable example is the Dragon Team's battle against Dark Multiverse versions of their friends. In this scenario, the various transformations available to Goku (such as SSJ3 and SSJ) provide a more strategic advantage, allowing Goku to engage in battles that require different levels of strength and control rather than overwhelming power alone.

Is It Just Pride?

One common interpretation is that Goku's choice to use Super Saiyan 3 over Super Saiyan Blue in GT is more about his character and pride rather than a reflection of power levels alone. Goku often chooses transformations that suit the situation, and SSJ3 represents a balanced form that allows him to feel in control of his power. This could be seen as a nod to the original Dragon Ball series, where Goku's transformations were often driven by both power and the need for a certain level of control.

Moreover, SSJ3's visual and narrative impact can be significant. The transformation itself is visually striking, and it provides an interesting contrast between SSJ2's speed and the strength of SSJ. This connection to his original forms adds an emotional depth to the character, resonating with fans who are familiar with Goku's journey and transformations.

Conclusion

In summary, Goku's choice of Super Saiyan 3 (SSJ3) over Super Saiyan Blue (SSJB) in Dragon Ball GT is a result of the different power scaling and narrative needs of that timeline. It reflects both the power levels achievable in GT's story and the versatility required for the battles fought. This choice also aligns with Goku's character, prioritizing balance and control over sheer power.

The story of Dragon Ball is a rich tapestry of transformations and battles, each serving a unique purpose in its respective timeline. Understanding why Goku chooses one transformation over another provides valuable insights into the character's development and the story's overall direction.